Washington’s John Beck, Minnesota rookie Christian Ponder and Denver’s Tim Tebow will make their first starts of the season. And there's a chance Carson Palmer could start against the Chiefs, although there were reports Friday indicating the Raiders probably would not rush Palmer into action after their Tuesday blockbuster deal with the Bengals. A report on NFL.com said unequivocally that Kyle Boller will start on Sunday, not Palmer.

This is juicy stuff—a flurry of midseason quarterback changes that will impact playoff races and the direction of franchises.

Here’s a look at the risk and potential reward for each quarterback change:

John Beck, Redskins. Starts at Carolina.

Risk: Beck wasn’t good enough to beat out Rex Grossman during the preseason. He hasn’t started a game since 2007, and his career record as a starter with the Dolphins was 0-4. That’s not an overwhelming resume.

Say what you want about Grossman, but the Redskins (3-2) have a winning record. Though he was awful last week against the Eagles (four interceptions), Grossman also has had stretches of solid football. Will turning to Beck really improve the offense? We’re about to find out.

Potential reward: Beck is more mobile than Grossman. That could be a major asset because the Redskins’ offensive line is banged up. Beck will likely be more careful with the football than Grossman, who has been a turnover machine throughout his career.

Christian Ponder, Vikings. Starts vs. Green Bay.

Risk: He’s making his first NFL start against the undefeated Super Bowl champs. Who did Ponder tick off? Confidence can be a fragile thing with young quarterbacks. If Ponder flops in his debut, it could carry over and set back his development.

Potential reward: Ponder can gain much-needed experience without the pressure of high expectations. Ponder did not look overwhelmed subbing for Donovan McNabb last weekend, and most teams don’t babysit young quarterbacks anymore. This is Ponder’s chance to solidify the Vikings’ quarterback situation long-term.

Tim Tebow, Broncos. Starts at Miami.

Risk: His style is unconventional, and he must prove it can be successful at the NFL level. Is Tebow a terrific leader and athlete? Yes. Is he a terrific passer? No. He plays quarterback far differently than Kyle Orton, which means the line, the receivers and the coaches must all adjust. The Broncos are not a great team, and the transition to Tebow may not go well.

Potential reward: Tebow has intangibles, and teammates respond to his leadership. His running ability gives the Broncos’ offense another dimension. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano, who coached Tebow at the Senior Bowl, likes the way he has developed.

“He can extend plays,” Sparano said. “He’ll throw it, but that’s not a given. He might put it down and run with the thing for long yards.

“I think fundamentally he’s better. He just looks like he operates their system really well.”

The Broncos are finally doing what they have to do—find out whether Tebow is a cult figure, a franchise quarterback or both.

Carson Palmer, Raiders. Could start vs. Kansas City.

Risk: Palmer hasn’t played since Week 17 last season. His first practice was Wednesday. He can't possibly be in optimum football shape.

It’s hard to argue that Palmer isn’t an upgrade over Boller. But that doesn’t mean Palmer will go from the couch to midseason form. It may take Palmer four or five games to feel comfortable, and the Raiders (4-2) are in a playoff race.

Rushing Palmer into action could also lead to an injury like a hamstring pull that puts him on the shelf. Keeping Palmer on the sideline until after the Raiders’ Week 8 bye would be a safer approach, but even that carries risk.

Potential reward: Palmer will be playing behind a solid line and with the league’s leading rusher, Darren McFadden. That could bring out the best in Palmer, who at one time was one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Palmer twice led the Bengals to the playoffs, though they were knocked out in the first round both times. He could take the Raiders just as far—or farther.

Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel, who roomed with Palmer at USC, believes Palmer will be just fine whenever he plays—even if it's on Sunday.

“I’ve never been put in that situation, but I know that he’s played a lot of football before,” Cassel said. “I’m sure if anybody can do it, Carson can do it.”